Founders’ Day: ‘Choosing August 4 to honour their sacrifices most appropriate’ — Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that it is most appropriate that Ghana has chosen August 4 as Founders’ Day to honor the sacrifices made by the country's founders.

In his address in commemoration of Founder's Day delivered on Saturday, the President paid tribute to successive generations of Ghanaians who contributed to the attainment of the nation's independence.

"As we commemorate these historical milestones, we pay tribute to successive generations of Ghanaians who contributed to the attainment of our national independence.

“It is most appropriate that we have chosen this date to honor their sacrifices, their resilience, and their strong dedication to the ideals of freedom and justice," Akufo-Addo said.

The President noted that August 4 marks important events in Ghana's history, starting from 1897, when the Aborigines Rights Protection Society was formed in Cape Coast, marking the beginning of organized resistance against oppressive colonial policies.

Exactly 50 years later, in 1947, the United Gold Coast Convention was formed, which spearheaded the demand for independence from Britain, noted the President.

"I speak to you...rejecting completely the notion that Ghana was founded by one man. Whilst Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable and unassailable, it is important to acknowledge for our self-respect that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations," Akufo-Addo stated.

The Founders' Day, which was formerly spelt as 'Founder's Day' was observed on September 21 each year to mark the birthdate of Ghana's first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and in remembrance of the struggle for independence by the country’s brave "Big Six".

The change in date and spelling has courted several rejections and controversies over the years with many viewing it as an attempt by the ruling NPP to erase the memory of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah from history.